Maryland Woman Arrested Following Police Pursuit Remsen

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REMSEN, NY – A Maryland woman faces multiple charges after leading law enforcement on a brief pursuit through the Village of Remsen on October 31, 2024. According to Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol, the incident unfolded at approximately 3:30 PM when a Patrol Deputy observed a 2014 Ford pickup truck driving erratically on Main Street.

The vehicle, traveling southbound, was reportedly swerving in and out of lanes, crossing into oncoming traffic, and nearly colliding with several vehicles head-on. In response, the Deputy activated his emergency lights and sirens in an attempt to conduct a traffic stop. Initially, the driver pulled over into a nearby parking lot; however, after a brief pause, the vehicle fled the scene, continuing southward.

A short distance later, the Deputy successfully intercepted the vehicle, allowing him to conduct a traffic stop investigation. The driver, identified as Melissa M. Hovancik, 44, of Maryland, was subsequently taken into custody without further incident.

Following the investigation, Hovancik was charged with:

One count of Unlawful Fleeing a Police Officer in the Third Degree (A misdemeanor)

One count of Driving While Intoxicated with Refusal to Submit to a Chemical Test

One count of Reckless Driving

Five additional vehicle and traffic violations

Hovancik was arraigned in Oneida County CAP Court, where her driver’s license was suspended. She was released on her own recognizance (ROR) and is scheduled to appear in Remsen Town Court at a later date.

The Oneida County Sheriff’s Office received assistance from the New York State Police and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Police during the incident.